Festool OF 1400 router vs my Makita routers

I review and compares my new OF 1400 Festool router to the Makita routers I've been using for years. In woodwork routers are a key tool and the engineering and design can do a lot to help a woodworker setup faster and get work done quicker
#woodworking #woodwork #festool

[@jamzach4]

I used to think Festool was over priced till I bought my first piece. Now I’m addicted to them and can’t get over the difference. They are in another class. I have the sander and track saw with the vac. I could literally sand an entire piece of furniture in the middle of living room and not get a piece of dust anywhere. Amazing !!

[@dustylumberco]

They are amazing tools!

[@stevensondrake]

I've had my track saw for 15 years. . It's never missed a beat. Different level indeed. Its by far the best carpentry equipment on the market. Definatly worth the extra €€$$.

[@chavinmuniz2513]

I really want the track saw. Of course, the sander too, but would need to get the festool dust separated too and that’s just a lot at once. But that track saw would be a game changer.

[@pf5658]

@Scott O’Hare Welcome to the green black and white side.

[@davidreams]

Same here. I thought Festool was overpriced and too Gucci, until I got my Kapex miter saw. Wow, what a difference! Now most of my power tools have been changed out to Festool over the past 5 years. Woodworking is a hobby for me and is supposed to be fun, Festool takes the frustration out of doing precision work and puts the fun back into the shop for me.

[@annahpaquentin6047]

I'm used to larger, corded routers kzbin.infoUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.

[@jt5261]

I’m New to woodworking & just found your Channel. I have decided to buy a festool so finding your fast talking info loaded video is great. You have just confirmed my decision is correct after getting over the price. Looking forward to watching more videos

[@gregghernandez2714]

Feestool products are really nice. You can tell they are beautifully engineered. Unfortunately some of us are DIY guys and gals and just can't justify the cost. I could see investing in Festool products if I was working with tools for a living. I hear their dust collection is second to none. I think I will stick with my Bosch, DeWalt and Makita routers. Thanks for the info.

[@Coug1982]

Nice review and I enjoy your enthusiasm. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@BuskItBarn]

Awesome review, man! You’re great at what you do - both woodworking AND making content with value. The only downside after watching this video is not wanting anything else but that top of the line Festool model. Haha

[@arcdraw]

Great comparison! Thanks for the information.

[@dustylumberco]

You bet 👍

[@wellfiredbarbecue1394]

the bit/spindle centre line machined into the faces of the router base is brilliant for set up then fine adjustment ... just work to the centre line of the cut you want to make. plug it cords come into own if you have more than one festoon machine ... prevents the bird nest you always end up with if every tool you use has its own power cord.

[@pf5658]

Awesome man. I ended up here because I am doing research. Looking to buy this same model to add to my Festool collection.

[@mrt076]

Subscribed - actually own the OF1400 and it’s a beautifully made router. I actually didn’t want to spend $1000 + on the OF2200 and just bought the variable speed 3-1/4 hp version of your Makita router. It’s a beast - made in Japan and powerful.

[@cuebj]

MIJ Makita is on Mafell level... higher than even Festool

[@teac117]

You should have mention the centerline notch on the base. That's like a 'clouds parting god light shaft' thing for me.

[@warrensmith2902]

I still love my PC 890 router. I bought an adapter plate for the plunge base to connect it to the LR32 adapter plate. Once you connect the dust hose to the plunge base, you can't ask for better for collecting dust. I have collects for 3/8" (8mm) bits so that they work just fine. The only real difference between the setup time between the PC890 vs the OF routers is the racheting lock And the ability to do the quick connect of the dust shroud. Would I love an OF router, yes, but my PC890 and my battery Makita trim router work just fine.

[@versatileduplicity9313]

Wow, the ryobi was my first route also 😃 I sold it and now need a plunge router

[@RufoTamales]

Hello there, greetings from Mexico and thank very much for your very informative videos! Do you miss/need the variable speed on the RP1800 ? I've been waiting for a deal on the RP2301FC for a while (i already own one for my router table) and i really like it's plunge feature, right now a festool is way out of my league, but i just found a deal for $125 on a Makita RP1800 and was thinking on having that one on my router table and have the rp2301fc for handheld use, i've never used a single speed router, would you recommend me to pull the trigger on that rp1800 for $125? Again, thanks for your videos! n__n

[@thekinarbo]

I have the OF1400. When using a guide bushing the router bit wasn't centered. I sent it in and they attempted to repair it but they couldn't. I notched the silver plate that holds the guide bushing so I could then use a centering cone. There's 2 rice sized pins I had to remove to get it to slide around. The OF1400 doesn't have LED lights.

[@robertomm8861]

There are some reasons to buy festool, thanks for sharing

[@sadiqlathram4883]

Thanx a lot for this vedio,i wish iwe have festool in my country i think most of ur tools are amazing.. Good luck..

[@BlakePizzey]

I'm scared to buy my first festool product. Don't think I can or I'll be going down a slippery slope and broke before I know it.

[@dustylumberco]

They’re worth the money 👍👍

[@christophersimpson7052]

You only need on kidney and one lung get em on Craig's list it will get you started on your festool addiction

[@johanpotgieter4318]

Believe me you will enjoy everything about Festool's

[@keithmulhall4900]

Bought the cordless sds as do a lot of kitchen so a lot of drilling into concrete.Great drill and really light.Could end up spending serious money now is the problem.Festool nake some great tools

[@WhiskeyTangoFoxtraught]

I’m going broke buying Makita tools, and as a weekend warrior I’m probably over doing it anyway.

[@Rickman-utz]

Can you use the edge of 1400 edge guide on that makita? I have the 1400 but would like to have something with more power but it’s a luxury purchase.

[@tonybrown7847]

No doubt the festool is the better router because of the options you went over but the cost point is something to consider. If I had the clientele to do work for than I’d go with the the Festool every time. But I work for a company and I get $30 an hour (35 years being a carpenter). I can’t justify the cost. I do have some Festool tools though. I have a track saw and a sander and I have the D handle drill with all the attachments because I like making my work easier and better. I really need to work for myself and find the right clientele. Right now the industry is flooded with guys from Brazil and South America which drives the pay down but that’s another story

[@don1031]

Thanks for the review. It is very helpful to see. Festool is a GREAT product. So is Lambohrgini! IMO you forgot an important part of the review. How much would that setup cost compared to similar Makita equipment? I will wager you could just about buy 2 similar Makita routers for one Festool. I can only afford to drive a Chevy! :)

[@dustylumberco]

Thanks I’m glad it was helpful - you’re right I didn’t mention prices and should have 👍

[@vargasfosado3272]

makita rp2301fc 3-1/4 hp vs makita rp1800 what s the diference? Thanks.

[@kbram7363]

And it comes in a perfect case

[@patrickallen5781]

I cannot speak for other German tool companies but in the United States they are the only tool company sold here that takes a system approach to everything.

[@kelvindawe5123]

I've got the same 3 makita routers and I wouldn't swap them for any thing. I no the festol tools are good but is the big price difference reflected in the difference in quality?. 😁

[@ksh_tech]

1. all maktia models also have set of collect, dt50 for 6mm and 8mm, others 8mm and 12mm 12.7 2. opening collect by holding button and apply force is wrong. I broke myu dt50 in that way. you should use 2 wrenches with you have in complect with makita routers, always! 3. opening and closing on festool looks great, but with time it become work worse and worse because of dust. 4. if you are left handed person as I am, this button for opening will be under or you will open by putting force from you, as result I broke in first day the depth adjuster. BTW quality of alloy is awesome on festool, light hit on it and you have numbers of pieces. 5. fixing o-ring on festool is great, but you forget to mention that this o-ring is not in level with whole plate itself + after a years of intensive usage of O-rings it starts to more and can be fixed only by replacing whole platform, not only plate. 6. when you will open collect with connected cord, take a look for that plug, all force is applied to the cord plug and you can see hot this plastic is bending ... Last thing I would like to add to this review, that it totally does not suits to left-handes masters, because its ergonomics. You can't even push button holder if you are holding router by left hand. In addition to that routers hand are not aligned in straight line, but on a curve with suits for right-handed master. As result working with that router becoming a pain quite fast. Now ergonomics itself, festool is only one who is doing router with pistol holder. this ergonomics more or less works in cases when you elbow is parallel to the ground, in all other position working with this router longer that 5 min is hard. I had this model and 1010, luckily after a short time I was able to sell this piece is ....

[@mohamednabilhamza8699]

Very good video , Festool is always a brilliant tool no doubt , but in my view for router its all about what you get used to , so you drive it eyeless ... the nice side of Makitas is being a very simple tools.

[@l.k.1011]

Yes, that is exactly the point. Some like Makita, some not. It is the same with festool, espcially the routers (and the jig saws, but this is a different topic ^^): many really like them, and there are also quite a few who bought one, and said "nah... not for me." Espically the design (and the the knob for the adjustment) is not everyone`s cup of tea. The Makita routers are foremost simply build (as you mentioned) working horses, especially the RP2300.

[@laxing77]

Normally I agree with you but this product is one of the few examples where the Festool is actually simpler to use (as his video emphasizes repeatedly). Fewer nibs and moving parts.

[@Funknwanker]

That ryobi router was my first except I got it when their color scheme was blue and yellow instead of bright green.

[@reedy8585]

The plugit cord works on all the festool tools so you can just have 1 cord linked to your extraction hose also plugged in to the extractor auto switch on plug so when you switch from the track saw to the router for example there is no faffing around with plugs you just swap it at the tool

[@olafbigandglad]

That's mostly true, but not quite. The plug it cord that comes with the track saws or the routers has a flat top and will fit all the tools. The cords that come with the sanders or jigsaws and a few others has a little bump on the top, and won't work with the saws or routers. I think they do it like that because the notched plug its don't seem to be quite as heavy a gauge of wire, so they don't want you burning your cord or tool out.

[@steppedon]

​@@olafbigandglad Sure. But the person you responded to is not saying that there is only 1 type of Festool cord. They are saying that you can use a single cord. Which is absolutely correct. As the heavier gauged cord can be used with ALL of the tools. Track saws, routers, jigsaws, sanders etc. In a corner of my shop I have a gigantic pile of the smaller gauged cords and don't think I've ever used one.

[@anson5561]

Nico video my bro

[@alextraverso1950]

Good morning, I love your Shop, question you can sell the diagram to me, the Giant Workbench if you have any, I will make one little smaller but I like you model

[@manuzach]

My favorite festool product!

[@dustylumberco]

😁😁👍👍

[@SaintFredrocks]

I like the OF 1400, but I like the Bosch MR23 better.

[@krenwregget7667]

I'd love to own the big brother Festool router to the one you reviewed but I can't justify the price tag.... yet.

[@user-fx7ic1tw6d]

Приятно видеть у Вас МАКИТУ в перемешку с FESTOOL. Булатный лайк мой 👍

[@bighead0107]

You almost sold me on that festool router. You need to be a salesman.

[@versatileduplicity9313]

😂

[@richardmckrell4899]

Festool 1400 watts (only 1.87 HP) is $700, Makita 2.25 HP plunge router kit is $339

[@fullmetalalkami6466]

I have loads of beautiful Festool tools, but I still prefer my Mafell plunge saw over the festool

[@michaelmancini5773]

I’ve got the Festool 1400, great router, precision results , love it, can’t say that for the Kapex, which I returned after 4 days of use, way overpriced, bought the Bosch 10” Axial glide saw, 1/2 the price, better saw

[@hewittgordon8843]

Did they ever put a laser on the Bosch ???

[@michaelmancini5773]

@@hewittgordon8843 Yes, and it's superb.

[@markmall7142]

Im happy with my kapex but would buy the makita if i did it again.

[@cuebj]

Instead of taking a long time to set up a router for a job... have a suite of cheap routers, each with the bit for one job. Of course, if your customer base income generation opportunities warrant it, have both single purpose router-bit setups and a Festool or Mafell for fast setup for less common cuts.

[@adamh8433]

With the exception of 'palm' routers...I thought most routers have the capability to do both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. He makes it sound like the large Makita can only do 1/2" and the smaller Makita can only do 1/4". My basic D-handle PC router can do both and came with both.

[@vohraashifhusen2546]

I'm intrest 👍

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

You know you can buy different size collets for a router right? Not that having specific routers for specific bit sizes is a bad thing, but…

[@ketankhandekar4563]

Hello sir !!!!!!! I would like to know if Festool products are robust and durable ? The reason i asked this question is because i read some negative comments on Festool Owners Group.Are they really worth the money ? If i am buying some power tools i do expect durability for the amount i spend.Will you kindly let me know at your convenience.Have a great life.Take care and be safe.

[@dustylumberco]

Yes they are worth the money 👍

[@davidrader2282]

I own a good number of Festool products, most of them purchased between 2005 and 2007. They all continue to perform as well today in my home shop as they did when i bought them. They've been used on many projects. Any tool used on a dirty construction job site in daily commercial use will have parts wear due to use and abuse. Festool replacement parts are available for every machine they have made going back decades. These are quality, precision tools you invest in and the company stands behind them with parts and service. They also come with a full 3 year warranty. No I don't work for Festool and paid for every tool with my own hard earned money but I've never regretted a single Festool purchase.

[@padraigdennehy3232]

Have to be better then the makita handles and cover above bit came apart on mine

[@carbb5760]

Yes they are, I’m a remodeller and can confirm the tools can take an absolute beating lol. At least the ones I use daily

[@loustoneberger8921]

Definitely not worth the money

[@joseraveane6964]

Makita 👍👍👍👍

[@petemolder]

The Makita RP2301FCX is an exceptional router in my experience. Soft start, electric brake and very powerful. Quite heavy but well balanced

[@paulcoffey359]

No, the time taken changing router bits isn't trivial or silly. I'm watching this video because i am sick to death of double spannering my 30 year old Makita router, every time i want to change a bit. It takes forever and is dangerous for your fingers. A router with a bit connector like this Festo has, would be a dream and worth every cent.

[@daenz8334]

It’s just rubbish if you use it with the original copy ring/ template guide. Has completely stuffed up a couple of projects as it moves

[@carlosilvestri6340]

Ohhh Festool è veramente pratico, tuttavia non vorrei comperare i suoi contenitori per non ingombrare l'officina e risparmiare: dovrebbe essere un'opzione.

[@hishamk.b5175]

you are going to make makita , harder to use . you are a festool sponsor.

[@meleader]

So, is "loosen it off" different than "loosen it on"? How about we just say "loosen" or "tighten" and save some breath.

[@epgui]

If you're going to film these with a phone, please film it horizontally... 🫣 Helpful comparison video though, thank you!